Toggle menu

Our Best Start Local Plan 2026-29

Governance and oversight

Robust local governance arrangements are in place to provide oversight on the Best Start objectives.  

The Gateshead Early Help System and Prevention Board will provide the strategic oversight for the Best Start Local Plan.  

A sub-group of the Board drawn from the local family support, early years, VCS and education sectors - the 'Best Start Working Group' - will review operational arrangements to implement the plan on a termly basis. 

Further oversight of the Best Start Local Plan will be provided by: 

  • Gateshead Health and Wellbeing Board 
  • Gateshead SEND Board 

Plus: 

  • Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee 
  • Children and Young People's Portfolio Group 

Key contacts

The key contact details for this Best Start Local Plan are: 

Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director - Children's Services
[email protected]

Suzanne Dunn, Service Director - Education, Schools and Inclusion
[email protected]

Gavin Bradshaw, Service Manager - Early Help Service
[email protected]

Judith Reay, Service Manager - Early Years Service
[email protected]